# NTSB ANC83LA050: Piper PA-18, N4876A, Northway, AK, February 27, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 27, 1983, 12:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Northway, AK
- Coordinates: 62.999076, -141.690795 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=62.9991&lon=-141.6908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4103
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC83LA050
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4103/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC83LA050

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not possible, pilot in command
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT WHILE HE WAS FLYING IN A CANYON, UP CUB CREEK, HE ENCOUNTERED UNANTICIPATED TURBULENCE. HE DECIDED TO MAKE A 180 DEG TURN & LEAVE THE CANYON. HOWEVER, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE RIGHT WING OF THE ACFT STRUCK A TREE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT STALLED & CRASHED IN A BUSHY AREA. REPORTEDLY, THE WIND WAS GUSTING TO 20 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4876A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4876A), registered now, S/N 18-4975, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18A RESTRICTED](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a-restricted) (registry code 7101834) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O-290-D2](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-290-d2) (registry code 42090, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-4975
- Airframe hours: 661
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James R. Mcdade
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, June 12, 1982
- Departed: WHITE RVR LODGE, AK
- Destination: CUB CREEK, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 4,500 total, 4,500 in this make and model, 24 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 10 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19830227005599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830227005599A), Feb 27, 1983: Piper PA18A, Northway, AK, Substantial damage. Aircraft stalled and crashed when pilot attempted 180 degree turn out of a canyon.

## Other investigations on N4876A (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ANC85LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC85LA096), Jun 17, 1985: Piper PA-18 (N4876A), Mulchatna River, AK, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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